Page 27 of Healer's Call

Ava glances over her shoulder at Maverick before turning back to me. “You’re in Maverick’s room.” I frown and look down at the bed and then over at the man.

“Why?” It’s the only question I seem to be able to ask.

He steps into the room but stays far away from the bed. “Do you remember coming here?” I meet his gaze. His eyes are on my face, and his face is guarded.

I shake my head. “No. I don’t.” I’m confused as to why I’m in Maverick’s room and more than that, in his bed. Before I can get up, he takes a step back.

“You need food.” He disappears a moment later, and I hear the front door closing behind him. I stare after him, confused and then turn to Ava. “You look terrible.”

She gives me a small smile. “I deserve that.”

“No, I’m not...I didn’t mean it that way. Just, you look exhausted. Are you okay?”

She gives me a look I’m not sure how to interpret. “You really don’t remember anything at all?” I shake my head, tryingto remember the last thing that happened to me. My mind just seems blank. “I healed you.”

I stare at Ava in surprise, and then my eyes widen. “I got the sickness?” She nods, watching me carefully.

“How do you feel now?” she asks softly.

“Great. I feel really good.”

There’s something about her expression that sobers me. “I was really sick.” Somehow, I just know it. She confirms with a nod.

“I thought you were going to die,” she whispers.

I blow out a breath. “I’m sorry, Ava.”

She laughs but it’s humorless. “There’s no reason for you to be sorry.”

“Thank you...for healing me.”

“I almost didn’t.” Her voice is so soft, but I stay quiet and wait for her to speak again. “I froze. You were...dying, and I froze.”

I don’t say anything for a moment. “Well, you must have figured it out because here I am.” She doesn’t smile at my words. “How did you figure it out?”

“Sage.” She takes a breath and meets my eyes. “I’m pretty sure Maverick would have killed me if I didn’t heal you.”

I scoff. “Yeah right.”

She doesn’t smile. “I’m serious, Rose. He was so angry.” She shakes her head, like she’s clearing it. “Sage talked me through it.”

I reach out and take her hand and squeeze, surprised when she lets me. “Thank you for saving my life.”

The door opens, and Maverick comes around the corner a moment later carrying several Styrofoam boxes. “Wasn’t sure what you wanted to eat.” His voice is gruff, and I don’t know what to do about him.

“Thank you,” I manage to say. He opens several boxes and shows me what’s inside. “I’ll take the mashed potatoes,” I saysoftly. He gives me the entire box and a fork. He hands Ava another box, but she just picks at it. I feel his gaze on me more than once, but I keep my eyes on my food. After a little bit, I decide I can’t take the awkward silence anymore. I close the box and stand to my feet. “Thank you.”

Maverick is in front of me a moment later. “What are you doing?” he practically growls.

I lift surprised eyes to his. “I’m going to get a shower,” I say slowly.

“You need more sleep.”

“I’m fine,” I tell him, hoping he’ll let me pass so I can go back to my room. “Ava, are you coming back with me?” I ask. She looks like she’s coming out of a trance. “Come on, Friend. You need to get some sleep.” She walks over to the door. Maverick, I notice, has no problem letting her walk past him. But when I try, he steps in front of me again, effectively cutting off my access to the door. “What, Maverick?” I finally ask.

He crosses his arms. “No more healing.”

Ava looks over at me from the door, lifts an eyebrow, waves, and leaves.Coward,I mentally call out. I take a breath and meet Maverick’s stormy gaze and mentally prepare for the battle. “I have to.”

---